Quetta Gladiators officially appoints Saud Shakeel as captain for HBL PSL 10

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Former Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions, Quetta Gladiators, have appointed left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel as their new captain ahead of HBL PSL 10, which is set to take place in the April-May window.

The franchise made the announcement on Friday through their official social media platforms, unveiling an animated image of Shakeel dressed in the Gladiators' vest and riding a horse.

The post was captioned: “Introducing the new Commander of the Gladiators, Saud Shakeel. With fresh energy and unshakable determination, he’s ready to lead Quetta Gladiators to glory in Pakistan Super League 10. The rise of the Gladiators begins now!”

Shakeel's appointment marks a shift in leadership strategy for the Gladiators, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing performance in the previous PSL season.

 

 

 

 

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The team, which claimed the PSL title in 2019, believes that Shakeel's fresh approach and on-field performances make him the ideal candidate to lead them into the next phase of their campaign.

Notably, Shakeel’s exceptional form in PSL 2024 cemented his place as a key figure in the Gladiators’ lineup. He finished the season with 323 runs in 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of 141.66, including two half-centuries, and was ranked as the seventh-highest run-scorer of the tournament.

Shakeel replaces South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw, who captained the Gladiators in PSL 2024, leading them to their first playoff appearance in three years. However, the team’s playoff journey ended without a final appearance, prompting the management to make a change in leadership.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the Gladiators to their PSL title in 2019, was replaced as captain last year after eight seasons in charge. While he stepped down from the leadership role, Sarfaraz continued to play as the team’s wicketkeeper-batter.

Rossouw took over from Sarfaraz in PSL 2024, but despite a promising start, the team once again fell short of reaching the final. With Shakeel at the helm, the Gladiators are eager to turn a new page and strive for their second PSL title in 2025.